A colleague proposed a great analogy during a discussion we had today about leadership techniques.  It is well worth sharing, conceptually this could generate some powerful ideas  around some leadership techniques you may want to consider.

Coach or Trainor

An athlete, whether part of an individual or team sport looks to their coach and/ or trainor for guidance.  In this sports analogy the tasks are athlectic feats.  The goal, ultimately is winning.

In a business, non-profit, family or other organization the concept of training team members to be the very best at their task (from customer service to product development) is the same as in a sports setting.

Leaders within these organizations can benefit from thinking of themselves as the coach or trainor.  The motivational behaviors are the same, thinking of yourself as the coach might help you focus on the best approaches.

Key actions to drive for the win, key leadership behaviors;

• make it clear what it takes to win.  If the benchmark is the 4 minute mile set 3.9 minutes as the target.
• heal the pain.  If they need a massage or hot spa treatment to be on top of their game, provide it. (In the non sports world this could  entail tools and empathy, the concept of helping to heal/ being phtysically ready is the same)
• instil confidence. If they believe they can do it, then they can.  Help them believe this.
• teach them how,  Knowing the best way to complete a task, building up to the win (e.g., quarter mile at a time) helps ensure sucess.  The leader/coach/trainor can set the framework for this.